The impact of AI is transforming industries worldwide. The worldwide expenditure on AI reached $118 billion in 2022 and is expected to exceed $300 billion by 2026. Like other sectors, the influence of AI has resulted in a growing trend of global militaries using AI in their combat systems. 

The defence sector uses AI-based technologies for training, surveillance, logistics, cybersecurity, UAV, advanced military weaponry like LAWS, autonomous combat vehicles, and robotics. Rajnath Singh, the Indian Defence Minister, unveiled 75 recently created AI technologies on July 11, 2022. This event occurred at the inaugural 'AI in Defence' (AIDef) symposium and exhibition organized by the Ministry of Defence in New Delhi. 

Furthermore, the minister emphasized the significance of promptly incorporating advanced technologies such as AI and Big Data in the defense sector. It is crucial to ensure we remain up-to-date with technical advancements and fully leverage technology for our services.

Applications of AI in Defence 

• Border monitoring can be enhanced by integrating cameras, radar feeds, sensors, and other technologies aided by AI-based solutions.
• These advanced technologies aid in identifying border breaches, categorizing targets, and improving the precision of defense operations.
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) - Drones outfitted with AI-based aircraft technology are highly proficient in conducting day and night surveillance operations, encompassing border control and comprehensive surveillance.
• Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS) are equipped with integrated sensors and pre-programmed algorithms that assist in identifying, selecting, and tracking hostile targets.
• These weapons can engage targets independently and thus reduce the need for personnel.
• Autonomous armoured vehicles and robots perform unattended, real-time surveillance, transport injured individuals, and carry supplies under challenging locations, including deserts and mountainous areas.
• Robots demonstrate superior performance in hazardous and high-pressure environments, surpassing the skills of humans.
• Data management - AI can analyze and utilize unutilized or underutilized data, generating more practical and valuable insights for the Indian armed forces. It will improve the capabilities of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR).
• Pattern recognition - AI can analyze data from many sources and discern patterns.
• The purpose of this technology is to forecast possible terrorist attacks and insurgency activity and propose proactive measures.
• Training and simulation encompass a range of disciplines that utilize system and software engineering principles to develop models that aid soldiers in training for various combat systems employed in real-world military missions.

AI Adoption in the Indian Military

• The Ministry of Defence's Department of Defence Production established a task force in February 2018 to examine the prospective implementation of AI in defence contexts. Its report was submitted in June 2018 under the "Strategic Implementation of AI for National Security and Defense" task force. In 2019, a Defence AI Project Agency (DAIPA) and a Defence AI Council (DAIC) were established by the task force's recommendations.
• The DAIC comprises the three service commanders, the defence secretary, the national cyber security coordinator, and representatives from the DRDO, industry, and academia. The defense minister chairs it. The DAIC is tasked with convening biannually to deliver essential guidance that facilitates and executes policy-level modifications, operational framework development or customization, and structural support.
• The ex officio president of the DAIPA is the Secretary (Defense Production), while members are selected from academia, industry partners, the services, Defense Public Sector Undertakings, DRDO, and the DAIPA. The DAIPA shall establish and implement benchmarks for Al initiatives' technology development and delivery process and consult user groups regarding the adoption strategy for Al-led and Al-enabled systems and processes.
• At the level of the Defense Ministry, these are plausible measures; however, they must be supplemented with modifications to organizational structure, planning, and processes at the level of the end users, namely the military. Adoption of artificial intelligence will be inconsistent and suboptimal unless the military is adequately prepared to assimilate this technology.

Conclusion

AI is not a military plug-and-play technology. Some basic applications may fit into this category. Still, the Indian military must improve its data management and network systems, build acceptable organizational structures, and comprehensively prepare its staff to utilize AI. Technology's availability is less important than how to use it to improve our military.